Battery terminal connector

ABSTRACT

A battery terminal connector for connecting a power cable to a battery post, wherein there is provided a member that is adapted to be actuated to effectively clamp the device onto the post of a battery.

United States Patent [5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1925 St. 2,039,669 5/1936 Tenney....

[72] Inventor Orrin H. Thomas 2120 W. 4th St., Williamsport, Pa. 17701 864,746

2,360,974 10/1944 Perreca....................:::.

[21] Appl. No. [22] Filed Oct. 8, 1969 [45] Patented Oct. 12, 1971 Primary Examiner-Joseph H. McGlynn Attorney-Sherman Levy [54] BATTERY TERMINAL CONNECTOR 4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

ABSTRACT: A battery terminal connector for connecting a power cable to a battery post, wherein there is provided a member that is adapted to be actuated to effectively clamp the device onto the post of a battery.

0 16%7 final l L 91 6 .1 2 31 s 09 $2 mmm3 6 mhm mmS LL W mm UIF 1]] 210 555 [ill PATENTEU 12 3,613,053

INVENTUR ORRlN/THOMAS ATTORNEY BATTERY TERMINAL CONNECTOR The present invention relates to battery terminal connectors for connecting battery cables to posts of a battery such as a battery of a vehicle.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a battery terminal connector that includes a member that has a J- shaped element that is adapted to be selectively tightened in order to assure a positive clamping action between the jaws of the connector and the battery post.

A further object is to provide a battery terminal connector of the type stated which includes a .I-bolt that will exert the most efficient clamping pressure so that the device will be effectively and finnly clamped onto a battery post, wherein the entire unit will be placed in firm engagement with a battery post.

Another object is to provide such a battery terminal connector which is constructed so that only one wrench is required for tightening nuts on bolts that hold the plate connected to the device, and wherein there is provided a means for locking or guiding and holding the hook member in place, so that the parts will be properly aligned.

Still another object is to provide such a battery terminal connector that is economical to manufacture and is efficient in operation. The battery terminal connector is rugged in structure and foolproof in use.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification and claims, together with the accompanying drawing, wherein like parts are referred to and indicated by like reference characters, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the battery terminal connector constructed according to the present invention and showing the device being used.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the battery terminal connector of FIG. 1 and showing the parts separated for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view through the center of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 55 of FIG. 1.

Referring in detail to the drawings, there is illustrated a battery terminal connector that is indicated generally by the numeral 80. As shown in the drawings, the battery terminal connector 80 includes a body member 81 that has an end portion 82 which is provided with a recess 83 therein for receiving an end of a power cable 84 of conventional construction.

The numeral 85 indicates a plate that is arranged contiguous to the end portion 82, and the plate 85 has openings 86 therein that register with openings 87 in the end portion 82 of the body member 81. Securing bolts 88 extend through the registering openings 86 and 87, and the bolts have heads 90 that may have a suitable or desired configuration such as a hexagonal or rectangular configuration, and the heads 90 are adapted to be snugly received or seated in correspondingly shaped recesses 89 in the end portion 82. The numeral 91 indicates fasteners or nuts that are arranged in threaded engagement with threaded portions of the securing elements or bolts 88 in order to maintain the parts in their proper assembled position or relationship.

The body member 81 further embodies or includes first and second legs or jaws 92 and 93, and the leg 93 is longer than the leg 92 for a purpose to be later described. There is provided on the outer end of the leg 93 spaced-apart projections 94 that define therebetween a slot 95. The leg 92 has a curved or arcuate channel 96 therein.

The numeral 97 indicates a J-shaped hook member or bolt that includes a main straight section 98 that has a threaded portion 99 for receiving a fastener such as a wingnut 100, and the section 98 of the J-bolt extends through the slot 95, as shown in the drawings. The .l-bolt 97 further includes a curved section 101 that snugly engages or is received in the arcuate channel 96 of the jaw or leg 92. As shown in the drawings, the body member 81 is provided with a tapered recess 102 for snugly receiving therein a portion of a battery post 103.

With further reference to the drawings, it will be seen that there has been provided an improved battery terminal connector that includes a body member having a .l-bolt operatively connected thereto, and the straight portion 98 of the .l-bolt 97 extends through the slot 95 between the projections 94, and the fastener 100 is arranged in threaded engagement with the threaded portion 99 of the J-bolt 97. The curved section 101 of the .l-bolt 97 firmly or snugly engages the curved groove or channel 96 in the leg 92, so that when wingnut or fastener 109 is tightened, the most efficient clamping pressure is exerted on the legs or jaws 92 and 93, so as to firmly and effectively clamp the device onto the battery post 103.

The present invention eliminates sweating between the terminal connector and the post. In addition, with the present invention, the user gets a more intimate union or action on the battery post since the .l-bolt or hook member 97 will exert pressure and action whereby the jaws 92 and 93 will conform to the configuration or construction of the post 103. J-bolt 97 has the section 101 that snugly seats in the groove 96. The recesses 89 snugly receives therein the heads of the bolts 88. When J-bolt 97 has the wingnut 100 tightened thereon, pressure is exerted across the post 103 so that in effect, the entire unit is pulled or placed in firm engagement with the battery post 103.

By providing the recessed portions 89 that may have a shape corresponding to the shape of bolt heads 90, the bolts 88 will be kept from turning when the nuts 91 are tightened so that only one wrench is required for tightening the nuts 91 on the bolts 88, since the heads 90 will be firmly held in place by the recesses 89. In addition, due to the provision of the J-bolt 97 and its cooperating parts, there is assured a proper pulling or clamping action that assures the most efi'lcient connection between the battery terminal and the battery post. The groove or channel 96 is important because it serves as a lock or seat to guide and hold the hook member 97 and thus the hook member or J-bolt 97 is clamped in its proper aligned position.

The battery terminal connector shown in the drawings will assure that the battery post is gripped all the way round. Also, there will be no distortion or strain on the metal and the clamping jaws will follow the contour of the post, and the device locks tight in place. In addition, the device has a minimum amount of weight, and is compact and strong, and there is assured the most efficient gripping action.

The battery connector of the present invention can be conveniently installed or removed by hand without requiring the use of special tools, such as wrenches, pliers, or the like, and wherein the connector will not corrode, lock of freeze to a battery post. The battery terminal connector will protect the battery and all electrical units as well as assuring efi'icient starting and less crankcase dilution, and the connector may be made of a unique, noncorrosive alloy that is strong and tough and durable.

Cable 84 is firmly held in place due to the provision of the bolts 88, nuts 91, plate 85 and adjacent portion 82 of the body member 81. When it is desired to disconnect the device, it is only necessary to loosen the wingnut 100 whereby the J-bolt 97 can be swung outwardly. The J-bolt 97 is constructed and arranged so that the most efiicient and maximum amount of clamping or holding pressure is exerted on the post 103. Slot provides sufficient clearance for the bolt 97 to move into and out of locked or unlocked position.

The various parts can be made of any suitable material and in different shapes or sizes as required or desired.

Thus, it will be seen that there has been provided a heavyduty battery terminal connector that can be hand operated and can be readily installed or removed with only a twist of the wrist. Free movement of the parts is assured. Thus, the battery and electrical units of an automobile, truck or the like will not be weakened by faulty terminal clamps.

Corrosion builds up resistance and restricts proper current to the starter and other electrical units, but the terminal connector of the present invention will not corrode. In addition, when clamped terminals are hammered on and off battery posts, severe damage is done to the battery covers and sealing compound. Also, when clamp terminals are tightened with a wrench, the post is often loosened in its seal and battery life is shortened. The terminal of the present invention requires only the twist of the wrist to install or remove it, and yet it is mechanically secure and electrically tight. The terminal or connector will not have to be removed with a puller since it will not corrode, lock or freeze to the battery post. In addition, the jaws will follow the contour of the post and will touch the post at all surfaces. The battery terminal connector is especially suitable for automotive vehicles, farm tractors, boats, stationary engines and the like.

In addition, the present invention provides adjustment for different sizes of posts and maintains a positive electrical connection. Also fine adjustments can be made with less pressure than is to required.

it will be clear that there is provided a device which accomplishes the objectives heretofore set forth. While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, it is o be understood that the specific embodiment thereto as described and illustrated herein is not to be considered in a limited sense, as there may be other forms or modifications of the invention which should also be construed to come within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A battery terminal connector comprising a body member having an end portion provided with a recess for receiving the end of a cable, a plate arranged contiguous to said end portion, there being registering openings in said plate and end portion, securing elements extending through said registering openings, said body member including first and second legs having a tapered opening therebetween for receiving a battery post, said second leg being longer than said first leg, spacedapart projections on said second leg defining a slot therebetween, said first leg having a curved groove therein, a J-shaped hook member having a main straight section extending through said slot, said straight section having a threaded portion, a fastener arranged in engagement with said threaded portion, and said hook member including a curved section engaging said groove.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the body member has recesses of a configuration to snugly receive therein heads of the securing elements that extend through the openings therein.

3. A battery terminal connector comprising a body member having an end portion provided with a recess for receiving the end of a cable, said body member including first and second legs having an opening therebetween for receiving a battery post, said second leg being longer than said first leg, spacedapart projections on said second leg defining a slot therebetween, said first leg having a curved groove therein, a J-shaped hook member having a main straight section extending through said slot, said straight section having a threaded portion, a fastener arranged in engagement with said threaded portion, and said hook member including a curved section engaging said groove.

4. A battery terminal connector comprising a body member, and a hook member operatively connected to said body member, said hook member having a substantially .I-shaped formation, wherein said body member has a curved groove for receiving therein a portion of the hook member. 

1. A battery terminal connector comprising a body member having an end portion provided with a recess for receiving the end of a cable, a plate arranged contiguous to said end portion, there being registering openings in said plate and end portion, securing elements extending through said registering openings, said body member including first and second legs having a tapered opening therebetween for receiving a battery post, said second leg being longer than said first leg, spaced-apart projections on said second leg defining a slot therebetween, said first leg having a curved groove therein, a J-shaped hook member having a main straight section extending through said slot, said straight section having a threaded portion, a fastener arranged in engagement with said threaded portion, and said hook member including a curved section engaging said groove.
 2. The structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the body member has recesses of a configuration to snugly receive therein heads of the securing elements that extend through the openings therein.
 3. A battery terminal connector comprising a body member having an end portion provided with a recess for receiving the end of a cable, said body member including first and second legs having an opening therebetween for receiving a battery post, said second leg being longer than said first leg, spaced-apart projections on said second leg defining a slot therebetween, said first leg having a curved groove therein, a J-shaped hook member having a main straight section extending through said slot, said straight section having a threaded portion, a fastener arranged in engagement with said threaded portion, and said hook member including a curved section engaging said groove.
 4. A battery terminal connector comprising a body member, and a hook member operatively connected to said body member, said hook member having a substantially J-shaped formation, wherein said body member has a curved groove for receiving therein a portion of the hook member. 